Common Factor Calculator guide
Common Factor Calculator: All Shared Factors
Use our common factor calculator to list every factor that two or more numbers have in common, and their greatest common factor.
By the AllCalculator editorial teamUpdated 16 October 20261 min read
A common factor is a number that divides exactly into two or more numbers. Our Common Factor Calculator lists them all.
How to use the calculator (Common Factor Calculator)
Type two or more whole numbers, separated by commas or spaces. You'll see all their common factors, the greatest common factor and every factor of each number.
How it works
The common factors of a set of numbers are exactly the factors of their greatest common factor. So the calculator finds the GCF, then lists its factors.
A worked example
With the calculator's default settings, 36, 48 and 60:
- Factors of 36: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36
- Factors of 48: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48
- Factors of 60: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 60
- Common factors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
- Greatest common factor: 12
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 always a common factor?
Yes. 1 divides into every whole number.
What if the only common factor is 1?
The numbers are coprime, like 8 and 15.
How is this useful?
To split things into equal groups. With 36 apples and 48 oranges, you can make 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 12 identical bags, with no fruit left over.
For the factors of one number, use our Factor Calculator.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: National curriculum in England – mathematicsgov.uk
- Wolfram MathWorld: Divisormathworld.wolfram.com
Links open official and independent websites in a new tab.
This guide is general information to help you understand your options. It isn't financial, tax, legal or building advice and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Figures were checked when the guide was last updated and can change, so confirm anything important with GOV.UK, HMRC, a regulated adviser or a qualified tradesperson.